WE ARE #FORSARASOTA

For many of us, Sarasota is paradise. But even in the midst of one of the most amazing communities in the world, we’re struck that many people still lack hope. In response to this, Pastor Peter is passionate about people connecting with God’s Word in a life changing way. In 2016, God began to gather a group of people together to plant an anchor of hope deep in our community that would be #FORsarasota.

Hope City Church has always been about helping people Find Hope and Experience Home. We believe that God’s love and grace are the most magnetic forces on the planet, and we long to see people experience what Jesus calls, “life to the fullest!” Here at Hope City we believe that following God impacts the way you live your life, and that your life should impact the place you live.

Pastor Peter and his wife, Tiffany, stepped out in faith and trusted God to lead them on this adventure to create a place where people can grow in their faith and trust in God; a place that would exist to help people take their next steps in their journey of faith. Because God is #FORSarasota, we at Hope City are also #FORSarasota.

At Hope City Church, we follow Jesus Christ– “who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Hope City Church is committed to a core set of beliefs that reflect the historic, orthodox beliefs of the Christian Church through the ages. These are the beliefs in which we have unity and on which we base our fundamental decisions.

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.

Genesis 1:1, 26-27; 3:22, Psalm 90:2, Matthew 28:19, 1 Peter 1:2, 2 Corinthians 13:14

The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily.

2 Corinthians 3:17, John 16:7-13; 14:16-17, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16 Ephesians 1:13, Galatians 5:25, Ephesians 5:18

Humans were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence.

John 3:16, 1 John 2:25; 5:11-13, Romans 6:23, I Corinthians 2:7-9, Revelation 20:15, 2 Corinthians 4:15

Christ Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is equal with the Father and Holy Spirit. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Matthew 1:18-23, Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1-5, 14:10-30, Hebrews 4:14-15, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Romans 1:3-4, Acts 1:9-11, 1 Timothy 6:14-15, Titus 2:13

People are made in the spiritual image of God to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation and love. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience towards God called “sin.” This attitude separates us from God until the relationship is restored through a personal commitment to Jesus Christ.

Genesis 1:27, Psalms 8:3-6, Isaiah 53:6, Romans 3:23, Isaiah 59: 1-2

Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is grace and the keeping power of God that gives this security.

John 10:29, 2 Timothy 1:12, Hebrews 7:25; 10:10-14, 1 Peter 1:3-5

The Bible is God’s Word to all people. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error.

2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21, 2 Timothy 1:13, Psalms 119:105, 160; 12:6, Proverbs 30:5

Salvation is a gift from God to humanity. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can we be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith

Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 14:6; 1:12, Titus 3:5, Galatians 3:26, Romans 5:1; 10:9-10